Brandberg Mountain | Swakopmund

Information

Landmark: Brandberg Mountain
City: Swakopmund
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Brandberg Mountain, Swakopmund, Namibia, Africa

Brandberg Mountain is a massive granitic intrusion located in the Damaraland region of the Namib Desert, approximately 30km northwest of the settlement of Uis. It is the highest peak in Namibia, reaching an elevation of 2,573 meters above sea level at its summit, Königstein.

Visual Characteristics

The mountain is a circular massif covering approximately 650 square kilometers, characterized by its reddish-pink hue due to the presence of weathered feldspar. The terrain is composed of steep, rugged granite boulders and deep ravines. Vegetation is sparse at the base but includes drought-resistant species like the Brandberg acacia and various stem-succulents at higher elevations.

Location & Access Logistics

The primary access point is via the D2359 road, which branches off the C35 highway near Uis. A 26km gravel track leads to the Tsisab Ravine parking area. Public transport is unavailable; visitors arrive via private 4x4 vehicles or guided tour transfers. A permit and a local guide are required for all hiking beyond the initial base trails.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The massif is a granitic pluton formed approximately 120 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period. It is an "inselberg" created by volcanic activity and subsequent erosion of the surrounding Karoo sediments. It has been a site of human habitation for millennia, containing over 45,000 individual San (Bushman) rock paintings.

Key Highlights & Activities

The most prominent activity is the 45-minute guided walk to the "White Lady" rock painting in the Tsisab Ravine. High-altitude trekking to the Königstein summit typically requires a 3-day self-sufficient expedition. Bouldering and specialized botanical photography are also conducted in the lower gorges.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The base of the mountain at the Tsisab Ravine entrance features basic restrooms and a small ticket office. There is no permanent shade on the trails, and no food or water is sold at the site. Cellular signal is intermittent and generally disappears once entering the deep ravines.

Best Time to Visit

The winter months from May to September are optimal for hiking, as summer temperatures frequently exceed 40°C. For photography, the mountain is most visually striking at sunset when the granite "glows" a deep orange. Early morning is the best time for trekking to avoid the peak heat of the desert floor.

Facts & Legends

The name "Brandberg" is Afrikaans and German for "Fire Mountain," referring to the incandescent glow the granite emits during sunset. Local Damara legends speak of the mountain as a dwelling place for spirits, and it remains a significant spiritual site for the San people who produced its vast gallery of rock art.